IDE Definition

If you're looking for an IDE
definition as well as a bit about IDE, you're at the right place.
The acronym IDE stands for Integrated Device Electronic.
This standard has many different names, all plugging into the
same motherboard connection. Originally, they were researched and
developed by different companies. ATA, or EIDE interfaces will
work as well in the IDE plug.

The
cable looks much like a wide flat ribbon. When connecting drives
to this interface, you must select the drive to be a Master, a Slave,
or cable select which will assign either Master or Slave to a drive
depending on which plug you use. Although it makes no difference
in speed, some operating systems require you use Master for the primary
bootable hard drive.

In the picture below, the IDE on this motherboard is number
10. The picture below that has the same board, just without
the number so it's easier for you to see the interface. You
can also click on the picture for a larger view.

I still use IDE for my DVD-Rom just because I had the drive kicking
around. If you buy new, switch to SATA, you won't regret it.

Although this technology has been around for years, and is still on
some new motherboards, it is obsolete as far as I'm concerned.
Using a SATA is going to be faster, plus the whole Master, Slave
thing is no longer required. It's much more plug and play.